Tag Archives: Family

The Ridley College Family Guild is dedicated to truly creating a sense of community amongst our families. Led by current President, Laura Menechella, our generous Family Guild is continuously looking for ways to raise funds in an effort to provide the legacy of a Ridley education to deserving students. Since 1999, the Family Guild has raised more than $1.3 million dollars, which it has funneled back into Ridley scholarships and bursaries, as well as our Annual Fund projects on campus.

On Parents’ Weekend, February 19th and 20th, our Family Guild hosted several events to celebrate our unique school community and to continue its long history of giving.

Family Guild Trivia Night

Parents, faculty, staff and friends of Ridley packed Williams Hall for a charitable (and very spirited) Trivia Night. Following dinner, competitors battled for eight rounds of questioning– spanning topics like geography, sports, Ridley history, and pop-culture. By the end of the night, more than $3,200 was raised to send children from the local community to our Ridley Summer Programmes. Thank you to our MC John Romano, Trish Loat and our sponsors: Chartwells, Oast House Brewers, Silversmith Brewery, St. Catharines Courtyard Marriott.

“As Family Guild President, I was overwhelmed by the generosity and support shown by many Ridley College families.” – Laura Menechella

Ridley Family Ski Day at HoliMont

On a warm and sunny Sunday, our families had the opportunity to test out the slopes at HoliMont Ski Club in Ellicottville, NY. The annual Family Ski Day was made possible by the Family Guild (special thanks to Laura Menechella, Aimee and Charles Cook) and Valerie Parke. It was a great day of skiing with a fabulous lunch provided by the Guild and the BBQ expertise of the Cooks!

For information on upcoming Family Guild events, click here or check out our weekly parent newsletter.

After a busy start to the school year, students are beginning to settle in
to their lives back on campus; which means, students are getting the chance to get to know one and other. In the spirit of the new school year, we have a few more Prefects to properly introduce.

Today, we are profiling Prefect Sophia S. She is a day student from Montreal, QC!

Why did you choose Ridley?

I chose to go to Ridley because my sister had already been at the school for one year, and it was already planned that I would eventually join her. My father’s initial decision of sending my sister to the school was one that would change my life forever, and thankfully for the better.

Did you feel prepared coming to Ridley?

I do not believe one can feel entirely prepared when attending a new school. Fortunately, Ridley is a special community where I was welcomed and felt instantly at ease. As soon as I passed through those gates, I became a Tiger and have been proud to be one ever since.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to either stay in Canada and study business or go to Europe and study hospitality.

Who is your favorite faculty member and why?

It is difficult for me to choose. I have had amazing teachers and thank all of them for the ways they have enhanced my knowledge and changed who I am. If I had to name one, I would say Mr. Reimer. He never failed to make me laugh and always tried to make me love his subject. Even though physics is not in my foreseeable future, Mr. Reimer made me enjoy his class and for that, I am thankful.

What has been you greatest challenge thus far at Ridley?

My greatest challenge so far has been learning a new language. As my first language is French, it was difficult juggling learning English, fitting in at the school and making new friends. Since grade 6, my English has greatly improved and luckily, I made friends who actually understand what I am trying to say!

What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far at Ridley?

Individually, I am very proud of all that I have accomplished at the school. But ultimately, my greatest accomplishment was winning the rugby championship game with the team. I am extremely proud that the blood, sweat and tears payed off in the end. Go Tigers!

What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?

The advice that I would give is simply not to limit yourself. In a school with such vast opportunities in learning and extra curricular activities, it is important to keep an open mind and to not be afraid to put yourself out there. Try a sport you’ve never done before, join clubs you think look interesting and along the way you will have learned new skills, made some great friends and had a lot of fun in the process. I know I did.